Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.

Hidekazu Nobata

Kazuhiro Kobayashi

Masaru Tomimatsu

Hiroyuki Hagano

A fuel filler system for use in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a fuel filler tube, a locking bracket coupled to an inner surface of the fuel filler tube, and a closure device coupleable within the tube end and including an outer wall and a radially movable tab extending from the outer wall. The tab engages the locking bracket after rotation of the closure device from a first rotational position to a second rotational position to prevent rotation of the closure device relative to the locking bracket. The closure device further includes a web flexibly connecting the tab to the outer wall and a region of weakness defined in the web, such that upon forcible rotation of the closure device from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, the region of weakness facilitates separation of the web from the outer wall.

Fuel filler systems and methods of assembling same

Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. A locking bracket is coupled within an end of a fuel filler tube. At least one passage is defined in the locking bracket for facilitating insertion of a closure device into the fuel filler tube end. At least one anti-removal structure on the closure device passes through the at least one passage during insertion of the closure device. The at least one anti-removal structure precludes removal of the closure device after insertion of the closure device, and rotation of the closure device from a first rotational position relative to the locking bracket to a second rotational position. First and second anti-rotation structures extending from the closure device engage first and second ends of the locking bracket to prevent further rotation of the closure device.

Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. The fuel filler system includes a closure device assembly and a fuel filler tube. A circumferential rim extends radially outwardly from a first end of the fuel filler tube. The rim has a non-planar cross-sectional shape. The fuel filler system also includes at least one catch member that extends from an inner surface of the closure device assembly. A seal member encircles a portion of the closure device assembly, and is axially spaced apart from the at least one catch member. After the closure device assembly is coupled to the fuel filler tube, the circumferential rim is axially captured between the at least one catch member and the seal member.

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Dublin, OH, United States of America

Hidekazu Nobata